“[T]here’s never been a composer or songwriter more attuned to the vagaries of the human heart.” Bach’s music has moved many throughout the years, including the legendary Spanish Catalan cellist Pablo Casals. After being introduced to Bach’s music at thirteen, he became more in tune with the world; through daily practice of Bach’s preludes, he became more aware of the wonder of life and human beings. Music, specifically Bach’s, was a form of expression to him — “a way to feel more alive”. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
